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Vital Voices Global Partnership

© Paul Morigi

On December 8, the Swiss Consulate hosted a panel discussion and breakfast reception organized by Vital Voices Global Partnership, an American NGO that identifies, trains, and empowers emerging women leaders and social entrepreneurs around the globe, enabling them to create a better world for us all. The panel discussion was hosted in conjunction with Voices of Solidarity, a presentation of the Vital Voice Solidarity Awards, and in conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.

© Paul Morigi: Ambassador André Schaller next to Zain Verjee

After opening remarks given by Consul General, Ambassador André Schaller, and Board Chair of Vital Voices, Susan Ann Davis, three panelists shared their personal and empowering experiences working with survivors of gender-based violence in their respective countries. The panel featured Chouchou Namegabe, Co-Founder of the South Kivu Women’s Media Association in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Mu Sochua, former Member of Parliament and watchdog for government transparency and accountability in Cambodia; Cindy Dyer, Vice President of Human Rights for the Vital Voices Global Partnership, and was moderated by Zain Verjee, CEO & Co-founder of aKoma Media and a former CNN anchor. Audience members included a diverse mix of individuals and organizations interested in human rights and women’s issues.

During the discussion, several major issues were raised. Among them was the importance of having all members of society involved in fighting violence against women – an issue of great importance to Mu Sochua. As stated by Sochua, “it takes the voices of all to make a change.”

© Paul Morigi: Chouchou Namegabe and in the background Mu Sochua

She also described the tremendous courage needed by activist across the world: ”you have to rise above your fears, stay true to your principles.” The room agreed that the most valuable thing for many survivors, especially of sexual violence, is to regain their life and to avoid being ostracized from their families and communities. Cindy Dyer, VP of Human Rights for Vital Voices, underlined the importance of a well-functioning national criminal justice system as an integral part of the survivor’s healing process.

The potential for the media to have a positive impact in the lives of survivors was also mentioned. Radio, as a platform for discussing firsthand experiences, can give a much-needed voice to survivors to help facilitate the healing process as well as empower the women who listen to these voices around the world. A last critical point stressed during the discussion was the need to have a bottom-up approach. All panelists agreed that change must be led from the grassroots level, but then supported by the elite in government and the international community. The breakfast concluded with an outstanding performance from the activist performance group, Girl Be Heard.

© Paul Morigi: Mu Sochua and Cindy Dyer (from left to right)

Switzerland and Vital Voices have established a strong partnership over the past month. The Embassy of Switzerland in Washington, DC has hosted a series of events with Vital Voices, as this is a topic area important to the Swiss Ministry. A special thanks to the Embassy, to Vital Voices and to Girl Be Heard, for organizing this event in New York with the Consulate General. The board members of the Washington based Vital Voices were in town this week for the 2^nd Annual Vital Voices Solidarity event  on December 7, hosted by Diane von Furstenberg and Barry Diller, Sally Field and Donna Langley. The awards honored five men who showed exemplary leadership in supporting efforts to combat gender-based violence. 2015 honorees included:

· Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein: A former peacekeeper and diplomat advancing the inclusion of women in all UN efforts to protect human rights.
· Gary Barker: A global leader in engaging men and boys to promote gender equality and prevent violence against women.
· Sadou Lemankreo: A police officer and human rights defender who is challenging a culture of silence around violence against women and human trafficking in Cameroon.
· John Prendergast: An activist and author at the forefront of initiatives to support women survivors of conflict in Africa.
· Thomas J. Wilson: A business leader and advocate offering economic empowerment services to help survivors of domestic violence break free from abuse.

© Paul Morigi: Chouchou Namegabe, Mu Sochua and Cindy Dyer (from left to right)

For more information on Vital Voices, please visit their website.